Learn About Rheumatoid Lung Disease
Rheumatoid lung disease is a group of lung problems related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The condition can include:
- Blockage of the small airways (bronchiolitis obliterans)
- Fluid in the chest (pleural effusions)
- High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
- Lumps in the lungs (nodules)
- Scarring (pulmonary fibrosis)
Lung disease - rheumatoid arthritis; Rheumatoid nodules; Rheumatoid lung
Lung problems are common in people with RA. They often cause no symptoms, but for some people they are the main symptom of their RA.
The cause of lung disease associated with RA is unknown. Sometimes, the medicines used to treat RA, especially methotrexate, may result in lung disease.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Skin nodules
Many people with this condition have no symptoms. Treatment is usually aimed at the RA causing the lung problem and the complications caused by the disorder. Corticosteroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system are sometimes useful.
There is emerging evidence that pirfenidone and nintedanib may work for people with fibrosis due to rheumatoid lung disease.
Unmc Physicians
Bryant England is a Rheumatologist in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. England is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rheumatoid Lung Disease. His top areas of expertise are Rheumatoid Lung Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Arthritis, and Gout. Dr. England is currently accepting new patients.
University Of Pittsburgh Physicians
Dana Ascherman is a Rheumatologist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Ascherman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rheumatoid Lung Disease. His top areas of expertise are Myositis, Rheumatoid Lung Disease, Dermatomyositis, and Polymyositis.
Miguel Gay-Gonzalez practices in Santander And Univ. Of The Witwatersrand, South Africa. Mr. Gay-Gonzalez is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Rheumatoid Lung Disease. His top areas of expertise are Vasculitis, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), Temporal Arteritis, Lung Transplant, and Kidney Transplant.
The outcome is related to the underlying disorder and the type and severity of lung disease. In severe cases, lung transplantation can be considered. This is more common in cases of bronchiolitis obliterans, pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension.
Rheumatoid lung disease may lead to:
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
- Pulmonary hypertension
Contact your provider right away if you have rheumatoid arthritis and you develop unexplained breathing difficulties or worsening of baseline breathing difficulties.
Summary: Lung involvement is one of the most frequent extra articular involvements of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA related lung involvement can affect parenchyma, airway, vascular tree and serosa. Among all possible manifestations of lung disease, interstitial lung disease is the most severe being able to compromise quality of life and survival and involves about 20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis ...
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term inflammatory condition that leads to gradual damage of joints lined by synovial membranes, along with various potential effects outside of the joints. While RA can affect any joint, it typically involves the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and metatarsophalangeal joints, as well as the wrists and knees. Symptoms related to the joints and surr...
Published Date: April 10, 2025
Published By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Corte TJ, Wells AU. Connective tissue diseases. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 92.
Johnson SR, Bernstein EJ, Bolster MB, et al. 2023 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) guideline for the treatment of interstitial lung disease in people with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2024;76(8):1051-1069. PMID: 38973731 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38973731/.
Raghu G, Martinez FJ. Interstitial lung disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 80.